JR East E217 series

Data (as of 5 Apr 2025)

History

The E217 series was the first suburban train type that had four sets of doors per carriage to ease congestion. At the time of introduction, 113 series was being refurbished with longitudinal seating but still incapable of dealing with too many passengers. JR East decided to replace the 113 series with brand new trains that were completely different to other suburban trains. Therefore, the company designed the E217 series based on 209 series. However, some features were based on older trains such as squat toilets.

The E217 series trains were introduced to Sobu Line (Rapid) and Yokosuka Line, as well as other lines in Chiba Prefecture such as Kashima, Narita, Sotobo and Uchobo Lines. They were also used on Shonan-Shinjuku Line in 2001-04. In addition, a few units were transferred to Tokaido Main Line in 2004 and ran along with E231 series until 2015.

Withdrawal of the E217 series was first planned in the late-2000s, but JR East decided just to replace electric equipment of the E217 series trains with new one in 2007-12. Following the introduction of E235 series, the E217 series gradually declined, and the last passenger service ran in March 2025.

Photo

The E217 series in Shonan Livery, when the series was used for Tokaido Main Line but not Shonan-Shinjuku Line.